You know that house on the south bank of the lake, just west of and next to I35? It’s on the top of the hill? You’ve undoubtedly seen it if you’ve been to the dog park on Riverside Drive.
That’s the Norwood House in Travis Heights, and it needs your help.
The first time you look at that house you ask yourself, WTF? “Look at that view of downtown Austin… how could this house be allowed to deteriorate?” The answer: the City of Austin purchased it in 1985.
Ironically, in a city that’s known for having a plan for everything, including making plans, the city didn’t have a plan for this.
Originally constructed in 1922 by Ollie and Calie Norwood, the house quickly became one of Austin’s most notable residences. Here you can see the house in its glory days. Tennis courts, tea gardens, and a dramatic view across the river (it wasn’t a lake at the time) of downtown Austin. Ollie Norwood is the name behind downtown Austin’s Norwood Tower.
The house has been examined and can be saved. The Austin Parks Foundation is partnering with a group of activists called the “Norwood Posse” to raise funds to rehabilitate the house. Since the house is part of Austin’s park system, its use must be open to the public. If you would like more information, or to contribute to Norwood House’s rehabilitation you can contact Wolf Sittler at 447-2150, email restorenorwood [@] yahoo.com, or visit AustinParks.org.
-Jude
